Mixed views on plan to destroy sharks at popular WA beaches after a number of attacks

As the WA Government prepares to get tough on the ocean's top predator, there's been a cool response to its new shark policy among the "Polar Bears", a passionate group of swimmers from one of Perth's most popular beaches.

The Bears take to the water every morning when the sun comes up at Port Beach in Fremantle, all year-round.

While some members welcome the State Government's new bait and kill measures, many are not convinced.

"All the sharks are up at Parliament House," said one veteran Polar Bear, a regular at Port Beach for thirty years.

"I think it's terrible," said another.

"I think more people are killed by snakes than sharks, I don't agree with it at all."

But, the Government wasn't without support during an impromptu visit by the ABC to the Polar Bears' post-swim morning tea.

At this daily ritual the Government's new approach to sharks has been a hot topic of conversation of late.

"It's their territory but it's also ours, I support the policy," said another of the group's long-term members.

After seven fatal attacks in three years, the State Government announced last month that it would deploy 72 baited hooks off beaches in Perth and the South West.

Commercial fishermen will be appointed to monitor the drum-lines and destroy sharks over three metres, deemed to be posing a threat to swimmers.

It's a policy that's being vigorously opposed by green groups including Western Australians For Shark Conservation.

The group's founder Ross Weir says he's not deterred by threats of $20,000 fines facing anyone who interferes with the baits.

"We have never said we will sabotage them but we will look at whatever is necessary to prevent the killing of endangered species."

Marine conservation group Sea Shepherd is backing the campaign.

The group's Jeff Hansen is seeking legal advice on whether the State Government's approach is legal under Federal laws which protect great whites sharks, currently listed as a vulnerable species.

"The reality is as the rest of the world moves towards shark conservation, here's Western Australia looking to target a species that's vulnerable to extinction, an apex predator that plays a vital role in the health of our oceans," Mr Hansen said.

The Premier, Colin Barnett, insists the policy is above aboard.

"This is in state waters under state jurisdiction," Mr Barnett said.

"We are only catching those sharks that are deemed to be a threat and these lines are set well off the coast.

"Yes, it's legal."

Diving drop off

One of WA's biggest scuba diving businesses has come out in support of the State Government's new bait and kill strategy.

"Queensland has been using drum lines for a number of years and there has only been one fatality," he said.

But conservationists say the price is too high.

"These drum lines will catch far more smaller schooling sharks and even endangered species such as the critically endangered grey nurse, than the highly migratory great white shark," said local activist Ross Weir.

"In our experience, walking along beaches such as Cottesloe, eight out of ten people are against this policy," he said.

But the Premier argues the silent majority supports the plan.

"We're only talking about large sharks," he said.

"We're talking about baited hooks set a kilometre offshore and only along Perth beaches and selected beaches in the South West."

"It's a very very small part of a vast ocean.

"I think the majority of people really want Government to deal with it."